Abstract

FEIJO, Fernanda de Matos; BERTOLUCI, Marcello Casaccia  and  REIS, Cíntia. Serotonin and hypothalamic control of hunger: a review. Rev. Assoc. Med. Bras. [online]. 2011, vol.57, n.1, pp. 74-77. ISSN 0104-4230.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-42302011000100020.

This paper reviews involvement of the serotonergic system in the control of food intake and satiety. It is of great interest to understand the relevance of this system for physiological control of energy balance and obesity. Over 35 years of research suggest that serotonin (5-HT) plays an important role in satiety. Thus, the serotonergic system has been a viable target for weight control. The 5-HT has control over hunger and satiety through different receptors with distinct functions. The 5-HT2C receptor may be more important in the relationship between food intake and energy balance. This review will discuss the mechanisms of the serotonergic system involved in the control of food intake and satiety.

Keywords : Serotonin; receptor, serotonin, 5-HT2C; appetite regulation; satiety response; hypothalamus.